I’m filled with gratitude!

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

 In life, the more we think we deserve something, the less grateful we are.
 I read a quote that said that joy is found in having an attitude of expectancy rather than expectation. Expectancy is the excitement of knowing that something good might happen, but without a defined expectation of what that will be. Saint Paul demonstrated this when he said: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11–12) His contentment wasn’t due to a certain level of success or comfort, but in knowing that God’s grace was enough for any situation.
 I have a lot of things in my life that I never expected to have. When I remember that, I’m filled with gratitude! Unsurprisingly, those feelings can also fade a bit when I compare my situation to that of others, or I set an expectation for what I think I should have or achieve or receive or experience.
 There are numerous studies on the practice of gratitude, and the evidence strongly shows that people with a grateful outlook live happier lives, are in more positive, long-term relationships, and they enjoy better mental health. The foundation for it all is being content with what we have and remembering that we aren’t owed anything. —Marie Alvero [1]

The contented man is never poor, the discontented never rich —George Eliot

[1] Activated A Tale of Two Gifts